Avalanche

Or he pushed a pile of snow out over the convex trigger point?
As stated in the article, Patrol indicated the slide was triggered by snow that was pushed off the tram dock. Either the weight of that snow provided a more powerful trigger than the two 30 pound bombs previously used, or the snow just happened to impact in the right spot to trigger. Yeah, good thing the Cat was up on the tram dock and not on the snow surface that slid.
 
That Wasatch sandwich looks terrifying.
Yeah, scary stuff….especially given how little snow the Wasatch had until a couple of weeks ago. Persistent Weak Layers are particularly terrifying. Hard to forecast, slopes may not show much activity, but when circumstances are just right the snowpack can rip down to the ground with catastrophic results.

Hidden Canyon is on the opposite side of Brighton from Pioneer Peak where I played in the backcountry toward the end of last season. Me thinks I’ll plan any Western trips this year for April/May, let the snowpack sort itself out.
 
As stated in the article, Patrol indicated the slide was triggered by snow that was pushed off the tram dock. Either the weight of that snow provided a more powerful trigger than the two 30 pound bombs previously used, or the snow just happened to impact in the right spot to trigger. Yeah, good thing the Cat was up on the tram dock and not on the snow surface that slid.

"AVALANCHE SUMMARY

Triggered around 8:30 this morning by snowcat pushing snow off the tram dock. Crown line well below any visible debris from the snowcat, so considering this a remote trigger. Also a post-control release, as yesterday two 30lb sled bombs were deployed in the area with minimal results. Bed surface consisted of basal facets from Oct/Nov and ground. Looker's R side of the slab was a repeat slide after a natural in the same area 12/19."

Always wanted to operate a snowcat but not on that gig.
 
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